Postal strike threat to swine flu vaccines for most vulnerable

Sir Liam Donaldson said it was vital that frontline health staff and patients in priority groups - including those with underlying health problems and anyone who is pregnant - received the new vaccine.

He said he was concerned that the strike by 120,000 Royal Mail staff set for tomorrow and Friday would have an impact on the number of "at risk" people sent letters inviting them to have the jab and possibly disrupt the schedule for wheeling it out to others.

"We are a little bit worried about the postal strike because GPs send their letters out, letters of appointment, so we are working very hard to try and get round that, ensuring that people get their appointments in time," he said.

"Some mail will still be delivered for urgent situations, so we are going to try and sort out that little glitch - which isn't a particularly welcome thing to happen in the middle of having this vaccine."

He added: "We need to get people into GPs' surgeries to give them this life-saving vaccine."

GPs will begin receiving deliveries of the vaccine on Monday. Some doctors are already considering sending text messages and emails to patients asking them to attend the surgery for the jab rather than send out letters.

Professor Stephen Field, president of the Royal College of General Practitioners, said doctors would work hard to get hold of their patients. "In the short term -- if it's only for a day or two - we will manage but what will happen is we won't be able to get to people consistently and it will also mess up the system because we will be planning to bring people in in sequence," he said.

Sir Liam announced last week that the number of deaths of people in the UK suffering from swine flu has passed 100. Health Protection Agency estimates released last Thursday showed about 370,000 people have contracted the virus so far in the UK.

About 11million people are in line for the first phase of vaccination with most people only needing one dose.

A spokesman for NHS London said general plans to deal with the strike were also being made to allay fears that patients will miss tests and treatments. He added: "All NHS organisations in London have contingency plans to use couriers where necessary to make sure important letters get through. We are also encouraging GPs to book patients' appointments electronically to avoid delays."

He said the "choose and book" systems allows patients to pick their preferred hospital or clinic for treatment and book an appointment that is convenient to them. The spokesman added: "Patients can do this online or by phone, or with their GP who can offer advice in making a decision."